'19 Kids and Counting' Derick and Jill Dillard Update Fans on Mission Trip, Reveal Location, Say Baby Israel David 'Talk of the Town'

By Leah Marieann Klett
Dillard Family
Jill and Derick Dillard pictured with their son, Israel David, who was born April 6, 2015.

Jill Duggar Dillard and husband Derick Dillard, formerly of "19 Kids and Counting," have updated fans on their mission work in Central America and asked for continued prayers and support.

In a blog post shared on Saturday, the couple revealed that their son, four-month-old Israel David, "seems to be adjusting to the new climate, culture, food (via mom's milk), and language faster" than his parents.

"In fact, he has been the talk of the town. Everywhere we go, people here about and want to see and hold the, "big blue-eyed, white baby" LOL. Israel is definitely growing and developing fast," the couple wrote.

Jill and Derick, who revealed their location as "Central America" for the first time, thanked those who have supported them through prayers and monetary donations, explaining that "God has used you all to bless us and to make our vision a reality for those who have yet to put their faith in Jesus Christ, who is our only hope for salvation."

The pair also expressed joy at witnessing firsthand the way God is working in the hearts of the locals: "Just 7 days ago, I had the joy of witnessing one elderly woman give lordship of her life to Christ," the update continued. "This transpired just one day after her Christian son was restored to fellowship in his local church. We were at the man's house ministering to him with encouragement from God's Word when the opportunity was presented to share the hope of the Gospel with his mother."

In concluding their post, Jill and Derick asked fans to pray that "many more would repent of their ways and turn to God's way for their life."

Derick, 26, and Jill, 24, first announced their decision to enter the mission field last month, revealing that God put a desire their hearts to "serve Him internationally for longer than the typical short-term mission trip." Derick explained that the "life-changing" decision was made back in May, after a great deal of prayer and Biblical counsel.

He emphasized, "Ultimately, in life there is nothing more important than simply loving, following and obeying our Creator."

The Dillards' update comes just two days after TLC announced that it had officially canceled 19 Kids and Counting. The network reportedly made this decision after it was revealed that the Jim Bob and Michelle's eldest child, Josh Duggar, had molested six underage girls when he was a teenager.

Jill and her sister Jessa Seewald, 22, identified themselves as two of their brother's victims, but said they had "moved on" and had forgiven him for his "past mistakes."